Verify: Can you use Zello, the walkie-talkie app, without cell service?

Some people claiming Zello can function without any cell phone or internet coverage. But is there any truth to that?

Author:
Rhea Titus

Published:
8:41 PM EDT September 7, 2017

Updated:
11:34 PM EDT September 7, 2017

QUESTION:

During an emergency like Hurricane Irma, can you use the Zello app for communication, even without cell service?

ANSWER:

No, we can verify this claim is false.

SOURCES:

Zello app

PROCESS:

Following Hurricane Harvey and now Irma, we want you to have the facts about the best communication devices out there for disasters.

The Austin-based push-to-talk app Zello proved to be reliable in Houston flood rescue efforts. They gained a whopping 600,000 followers in just one day and became the most downloaded app in iTunes over the last week.

The Cajun Navy volunteers from Louisiana even set up a channel so they could coordinate during Hurricane Harvey.